Torrontes – Argentina’s Best White Wine

Philippines wine supplier Manila wine shop discusses wine by the grape variety Torrontes.

October 19, 2010

For the I’ll drink anything but Chardonnay crowd, Argentine Torrontes is a dry white wine that works well as a cocktail, dinner wine or summer picnic sipper.

Head to the section of the local wine shop marked South America and you will see a new trend emerging with Argentina’s best-known white wine, Torrontes. Is it a new varietal? Hardly. But it’s only recently that Torrontes has found a home on U.S. shelves. What is it? Where does it come from? What does it taste like?

Torrontes History

As a former colony of Spain, it is no surprise that Argentina’s Torrontes grape was believed to have been introduced by Basque settlers. Many claim it is a native Argentine grape. According to a 5/28/08 Daily Herald article by columnist Mary Ross, recent genetic testing indicates that Torrontes is a hybrid of Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica.

Salta Province – Land of Torrontes

Whatever the heritage of Torrontes, no one disputes that in Argentina the grape expresses itself in a manner distinctly different from anything grown in Spain or in neighboring Chile. Even within Argentina, different growing areas produce varying results. Critics give the highest marks to Torrontes that comes from the northwestern province of Salta.

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Wine writer Katherine Cole’s Oregonian article dated 8/26/08 says the reason Salta province is ideal for Torrontes has to do with high-altitude vineyards that get both intense sun and cool temperatures. In particular, the small town of Cafayate with vineyards over 3,300 feet in elevation produce the most sought after versions of Torrontes. Look for either Salta or Cafayate on the back side of wine bottle labels as the front may not indicate where the grapes come from.

Torrontes Taste

So, what is all the fuss about? A good Torrontes will have an intense nose of flowers and tropical fruits but don’t get confused and think that means it will be sweet. Torrontes is usually bone dry with a light to medium weight, good acidity and a long finish.

Foodwise, Torrontes is delightful by itself on a hot summer day but serious enough to pair well with spicy Thai or other Asian cuisine, tangy cheeses or seafood dishes. At just $10-$16 for most offerings, the price is definitely right.

Read on

* A Guide to Wine Grapes – Important Lesser-Known Grape Varietals

* Hosting a Chardonnay Wine Tasting

* Anything But Chardonnay

Recommended Argentine Torrontes

2007 Bodega Colome Torrontes – Produced by the Hess Collection from the Cafayate region.

2007 Crios de Susana Balbo Salta Torrontes – Produced by one of Argentina’s top winemakers. Grapes are grown in Salta province.

2007 Etchart Torrontes – Produced by Bodega Etchart from the Cafayate region. Watch the label for the word tardio – meaning late harvest. This is a sweet dessert wine. Both dry and sweet versions are available.

Source:http://www.suite101.com/content/torrontes-argentinas-best-white-wine-a66448

Although wines are widely available in most Asian countries, especially in Hong Kong which has eliminated import tariff on wines altogether, the availability of fine vintage wines is still very scarce.  Most wine merchants offer big names, young vintages and cheaper wines for everyday consumption.  Wine lovers and connoisseurs looking for something special often travel to Clark Pampanga Philippines to do their shopping at this Wine Shop in Manila.

At Yats Wine Cellars we believe that a little bit of knowledge in wine goes a long way to developing expectations in the wines we choose to buy or drink.  Without expectation, it is difficult to really enjoy wine to its fullest.  With this in mind, efforts are made by Yats Wine Cellars to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible for our clients to learn more about wine.

Birthday wine gifts is one of the most popular birthday gifts to give someone living in the Philippines.  Fine Vintage wine from Yats Wine Cellars is a sure winner and it does not have to cost a great deal to send someone a bottle in Philippines

To avail of wine catering service of Yats Wine Cellars, just contact this wine supplier in Manila or Angeles Clark Philippines for a meeting to design a theme for the event.  The venue for a wine event can be in the privacy of a home, the convenience of an office in Manila for example or in a clubhouse of a subdivision.   Wine glasses and accessories necessary for wine service are included in the wine catering service.  Moreover, interesting wine notes accompany the wine to help participants enjoy the event even more by learning a little bit about wine while enjoying the party.  A wine steward will be present to serve the wine.

There is also an exciting collection of white wine from Burgundy at this wine shop in Clark Pampanga such as Meursault, Chablis, Chassagne Montrachet, Puligny Montrachet, Corton-Charlemagne and St. Aubin.  Red wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux and Rhone are also available with a good depth of back vintages too.  Visitors buy wine in Manila and Pampanga should not miss stopping at this wine shop for a few bottles of fine vintage wines to bring home.

http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com

Getting to this wine shop in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Philippines from Manila

Getting to the Clark Wine Center wine shop from Manila is quite simple:  after entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway M A Roxas. Clark Wine Center is the stand-along white building on the right, at the corner A Bonifacio Ave.  From the Clark International Airport DMIA, ask the taxi to drive towards the entrance of Clark going to Angeles City.  From Mimosa, just proceed towards the exit of Clark and this wine shop is on the opposite side of the main road M A Roxas.

Clark Wine Center

Bldg 6460 Clark Observatory Building

Manuel A. Roxas Highway corner A Bonifacio Ave,

Angeles Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga 2023

0922-870-5173 0917-826-8790 (ask for Ana Fe)

Wine@Yats-International.com

YATS Wine Cellars

Manila Sales Office

3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,

Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605

(632) 637-5019   0917-520-4393  ask for Rea or Chay

Best place to buy wine in Clark Pampanga outside Manila near Subic and Angeles City Philippines is Clark Wine Center.